Indicating obligation and willingness
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Using semi-modal verbs to indicate obligation | page 1 of 5 |
Introduction
Obligation typically involves functions such as
giving commands, making requests, offering advice, and granting permission 
. Speakers
are able to indicate obligation in a number of ways 
.
Note that the structure chosen to express obligation will be motivated by such things
as register 
and the degree of closeness a speaker wishes to establish
with the hearer.
A speaker is more likely to use a semi-modal verb in informal speech. The effect is not only one
of familiarity, but the speaker can conceal the source of the obligation, for example
compare: I order you to do it with You've got to do it.
This file gives details of the ways that semi-modals can be used to issue commands, offer advice and grant permission.
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Introduction
Degrees of obligation
